Litany [Import]

Litany [Import]

Track Listings

1. Wings

2. The One Made Of Dreams

3. Xeper

4. Litany

5. Cold Demons

6. The Calling

7. North

8. Forwards To Die

9. A World Of Hurt

10. Red Dunes

11. Lord Of Desert

12. The World Made Flesh

13. The Final Massacre

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Japanese edition of Polish black/death metal act's 2000 release with 2 Japanese only bonus tracks 'Red Dunes' & 'Lord Of Desert'. 13 tracks in all. Standard jewel case.

Customer Reviews:

Enjoyment of old Russian liturgical nusic.......2007-01-09

The Basso Profundo recording reminds one of the recordings of Tibetan Monks in chant and is very stirring.

Finally, a recording I can sing along with!.......2006-11-04

As a low bass and wannabe octavist, I really enjoy singing along with this recording. Luckily, I have performed the Rachmaninov "All Night Vigil", Tchaikovshy "Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom", and other works in Old Church Slavonic, so the words are mostly familiar.

I still find it amazing that these singers can make notes in the midrange still sound low! Enjoy!

Good Music from Russia.......2005-07-21

This CD is very good for those who like orthodox music. Buy it!

Great CD.......2003-03-02

I have done a good bit of research on basso profundo's, contrabasses, etc and these guys seem to be lower than any I've heard. The soloist on "Do Not Reject Me In My Old Age" has a full voiced G1, below low bass C which he hits a number of times on the CD. Very amazing recording... good musically, not the VERY best choir I've ever heard or anything, but definetly good. Russian music is great, many of the tracks are very dark musically, but there are some more majestic tracks, and a few tracks that sound kinda militaristic.

Well Below the Bass Range.......2002-01-15

The music on this CD won't be to everyone's liking, but the unique sound of the voice of a "basso profundo" or "octavist"
is a musical rarity that shouldn't be missed. These basses have a gripping effect, with a timbre resembling that of an organ's pedal tones. These basses can sing the low A below the bass range. They are, simply, extraordinarily powerful voices. Savor the unearthly sound of them. Who knows - you might just get to like Russian polyphonic liturgical chant, as well.

Average customer rating:

Excellent option at good price
It Touches the Soul
Performance is fine, but recording and liner notes are poor
Inexpensive marvel from naxos
Is like being in Heaven!

Russian Divine Liturgy
Alexander Andreyevich Arkhangel'sky , Russian Orthodox Chant , Alexander Tikhonovich Grechaninov , Ledkovsky , Alexei Fydorovich Lvov , P. Mironositsky , Apostol Nikolaev-Strumsky , Stepan Smolensky , Igumen Mitrofan , and Novospassky Monastery Choir
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Russian Chant for Vespers
Russian Medieval Chant
Chants de la Liturgie Slavonne
Orthodox Chants from Russia
Russia's Beautiful Religious Songs

ASIN: B000053W45
Release Date: 2001-02-20

Tracks:

Meeting And Vesting Of Bishop
Eis Polla Eti, Despota
Great Litany
Bless The Lord, O My Soul
The Only Begotten Son
Come, Let Us Worship And Fall Down Before Christ
The Trisagion
Prokeimenon
Alleluia
Cherubic Hymn
The Nicene Creed
A Mercy Of Peace
The Hymn To The Theotokos
Praise The Lord From The Heavens!
Psalm CXX (Mironisitsky)
Blessed By the Name Of The Lord, Henceforth And For Ever More
Great Doxology

Customer Reviews:

Excellent option at good price.......2007-03-25

Ortodox liturgic music is sometimes as difficult as it can be considering the fact it belong to a very different liturgy no matter how christian it is.
This little gem can be helpful to understand not only this very important part of russian music but the soul of russian religiosity, guided by the superb performance of Novospassky Monastery Choir, that reminded me other great effort in the same way: the Choir of Santo Domingo de Silos Monastery.
Not always Naxos is the best choice, but in this case is definitely a must for those interested on religious music.
Five stars.

It Touches the Soul.......2005-05-02

This cd is balanced with the melodic strains of the choir, and the rich, deep solos above it. It is an inspiration and I highly recommend it.

Performance is fine, but recording and liner notes are poor.......2004-10-13

RUSSIAN DIVINE LITURGY is a performance by the Novospassky Monastery Choir of the Russian Orthodox liturgy celebrated by a bishop. The music of the Russian Orthodox liturgy consists only of the human voice singing in the Russian Church Slavonic language (a redaction of Old Church Slavonic made easier for speakers of Russian to pronounce). No instrumentation is included.

There is a great deal of passion in this performance as in the "Trisagion". There is also grace and sweetness, as in the "Great Litany" or the recitation of the Nicene Creed. This recording portrays those aspects of Orthodox worship which have wowed members of other denominations with their beauty and profound sincerity.

Though the performance was fine, the sound quality of this recording is unimpressive. Though a DDD studio recording, the engineers did not really explore the space of the venue and the voices are often muddled and indistinguishable. This probably would have sounded better in a church than in a studio with these engineers.

The liner notes are also of rather poor quality, as is unfortunately quite common with Naxos discs. There is no libretto, just excepts from several of the portions and descriptions. Church Slavonic text is missing entirely. The names of the Ukrainian cities Kyiv and Lviv are spelled according to the (often considered offensive) Russian manner of Kiev and L'vov. The commentary, which do not appear professionally edited, are uncredited.

If you are interested in Church Slavonic liturgy in music, I would recommend Arvo Part's setting of the "Kanon Pokajanen" penitence text. The disc released by ECM New Series features a detailed libretto with the Church Slavonic, fine translations, and an essay about this portion of Orthodox liturgy. Naxos has released here an authentic and sincere performance of the liturgy, but the poor liner notes and sound quality do little to recommend it.

Inexpensive marvel from naxos.......2003-07-16

As someone new to choral sacred music, the price of this CD allowed me to experiment without risking to much financially.
I have never heard Russian Orthodox music before. It is more exuberant in many ways than western massesbut also has moments of serenity. This CD contains an amalgam of music from different cenuries which all fits together surprisingly well. The choir sings powerfully from start to fini. Highly recommended to anyone interested in the music of other cultures.

Is like being in Heaven!.......2003-06-29

Beautiful version of the Orthodox Liturgy. If you aren't Orthodox, this might convert you. If you already are, it will bring tears of joy to your eyes.

Average customer rating:

My favorite album. English church music at its finest.
The grand tradition of English music
music of great beauty
Excellent Selection, Excellent Performance
Best all-in-one English music CD ever

Treasures of English Church Music

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Music of St. Paul's Cathedral
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Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral
The Psalms of David from Kings Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, Vol. 1
Abide With Me

ASIN: B0000031I6
Release Date: 1995-12-12

Tracks:

Music Of The Latin Rite: Ave Maria
Music Of The Latin Rite: Loquebantur variis linguis
Music Of The Latin Rite: Miserere mei
Haec dies
Music Of The Latin Rite: Ave verum corpus
Music Of The Reformation: If Ye Love Me
Music Of The Reformation: Hide Not Thou Thy Face
Music Of The Reformation: Lord, For Thy Tender Mercy's Sake
Music Of The Reformation: O Clap Your Hands
Music Of The Reformation: Bow Thine Ear
Music Of The Reformation: Hosanna To The Son Of David
Music Of The Restoration: Lord, How Long Wilt Thou Be Angry
Music Of The Restoration: Thou Knowest, Lord
Music Of The Restoration: Hear My Prayer, O Lord
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Beati quorum via
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: This Joyful Eastertide
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Sing Lullaby
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: A Spotless Rose
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: What Cheer?
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: O Taste And See
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: A Hymn To The Virgin
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Jesus Christ The Apple Tree
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Faire Is The Heaven
Anthems And Introits: Rejoice In The Lord
Anthems And Introits: Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences
Anthems And Introits: Come, Let's Rejoice
Anthems And Introits: When David Heard
Anthems And Introits: I Sat Down Under His Shadow
Anthems And Introits: These Are They That Follow The Lamb
Latin Motets: Christe Jesu, pastor bone
Latin Motets: O beatum et sacrosanctum diem
Latin Motets: Nunc dimittis
Latin Motets: O vos omnes
Latin Motets: Factum est silentium
Latin Motets: Justorum animae
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Hail, Gladdening Light
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: A Hymn To The Mother Of God
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Hymn For The Dormition Of The Mother Of God
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: They Are At Rest
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: A Litany
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Nolo mortem peccatoris
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: O nata lux
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Loving Shepherd Of Thy Sheep
Prayer Settings: The Lord's Prayer
Prayer Settings: In manus tuas
Prayer Settings: Bring Us, O Lord God

Customer Reviews:

My favorite album. English church music at its finest........2005-10-06

Whether you have a couple dozen albums of English choral music or whether you're looking for an introduction to English choral music, this two CD collection is a must. Here you will find a wide selection of sacred favorites, from Gregorian chant to Ralph Vaughan Williams. It's a misnomer to call it "Anglican," since this would exclude (in addition to, of course, the pre-Reformation Latin hymns) the likes of Thomas Tallis and William Byrd -- both Catholics that kept to the ancient faith despite Elizabeth's (albeit relatively mild) persecutions. Tallis and Byrd set the standard in the 16th century for the distinctive "Englishness" (as opposed to Continental European) style of English choral music, with its soaring majesty yet somehow coupled with a subtle and sustained beauty (as opposed to the Continental ups and downs and often tiresome exaggerations). For those of us in the English-speaking world, this is our heritage. Let's treasure it. As for the recording itself, the mixing is superb. While listening, it's quite easy to imagine yourself in the beautiful King's College Chapel or perhaps heaven itself.

The grand tradition of English music.......2005-09-23

Recorded in the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral, the Cambridge Singers under the direction of John Rutter produced a duo of discs dedicated to Music of the English Church previously issued as two separate discs, 'Hail, Gladdening Light', and its companion piece, 'Faire is the Heaven'. The discs here are straight copies of those discs; hence, if you have those already, there is no need to purchase this - on the other hand, if you do not have the other discs, this is a bargain.

--Music--
This is all unaccompanied music, sung in a cathedral chapel acoustically suited for such music. The first disc has four primary sections: Music of the Latin Rite; Music of the Reformation; Music of the Restoration; and Anglican Revival and the twentieth century. The most famous composers in English music history -- Tallis, Byrd, Gibbons -- combine with later masters such as Purcell, Stanford, Howells, Walton, Britten and Vaughan Williams to form a truly masterful collection. These are anthems, hymns and other liturgical pieces that have remained important in Anglican worship, and can be often heard in situ on Sundays around the world. However, the Cambridge Singers bring their special music talent to the task, producing a good standard bearer for music of the English Church.

On the second disc, there are six Latin motets, set by composers such as Taverner, Howells, Stanford, Vaughan Williams, Philips and Dering. Anthens and Introits include notables Tomkins and Purcell, and lesser-known composers such as Amner, Bairstow and Goss. Hymns span the range from old to modern, including a hymn by John Rutter himself. The disc ends with three prayer settings, including one by the underappreciated John Sheppard, and another from William Harris, whose hymn serves as the title to the companion disc. These anthems and hymns show a powerful range of music, yet show a consistent tone also that makes it rather distinctive of the music of the English church.

The group's power and grace is second to none, particularly when singing this kind of music in a place such as Ely Cathedral, arguably the most natural of settings possible.

--Liner Notes--
The notes for this recording include the titles and words of each anthem or hymn. The notes for each piece also includes brief biographical information of the composer, and unique information about each work, when particular composers are represented more than once. One thing conspicuously missing is much biographical information about John Rutter, or any descriptive information about the Cambridge Singers apart from the most basic of information.

--John Rutter--
Rutter was born in London and educated at Clare College, Cambridge. This was where his career as a composer, arranger and conductor began. His early work was with groups at King's College Chapel at Cambridge as well as the Bath Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked for the BBC providing music for educational series such as 'The Archaeology of the Bible Lands', until in 1979 he began forming the Cambridge Singers, and has continued a remarkable career of performance and recording as their director ever since.

--The Cambridge Singers--
The Cambridge Singers are a mixed choir of voices, many of whom were members of choir of Rutter's college, Clare College, Cambridge. While they specialise in English and Latin liturgical pieces, they have a wide range of recordings that span from modern compositions (including a remarkable requiem by Rutter) to English folk songs of the Middle Ages. Many are former members of the choir of Clare College and other Cambridge collegiate choirs (hence the name, Cambridge Singers). In the quarter-century since the founding, the Cambridge Singers have produced an impressive body of recordings.

music of great beauty.......2005-04-24

Pop one of these CDs into your car stero, turn up the volume and feel yourself drift into a sublime peace. Can music manifest the existence of God?

Excellent Selection, Excellent Performance.......2004-07-28

This two-CD compilation by the Cambridge Singers is truly very good. The repertoire is very diverse and only the best representations of composers and time periods are performed. ALthough most of the pieces were not written with a mixed choir in mind, the Cambridge Singers sing it so well you would not have had any idea. Their performances are careful and exquisite.

Best all-in-one English music CD ever.......2004-04-20

This is a re-release, as one set, of two of my favorite CDs ever: "Faire is the Heaven" and "Hail Gladdening Light" by the Cambridge singers. This is a fabulous compilation of everyone's favorite works from the English Cathedral tradition, all the way from Taverner (16th century) to Tavener (21st century). The selection of works is great and touches all the most important genres. The performance is exquisite, elegant, faultless. The Cambridge Singers have a softer, less edgy sound than the Tallis Scholars, and are more expressive, which may make them easier for some people to listen to, especially for the more recent works. They are no less musical. The Parsons Ave Maria alone brings one to tears. If you want an introduction to English church music, this is the CD to start with. Also makes a great gift, if you already love this music and want to introduce someone else to it.

Allegri: Miserere; Palestrina / Willcocks, Kings College Choir

Average customer rating:

religious and content
I'm not religious,or anything,but this choir's AMAZING!!!
Definitive Recording of the Allegri Miserere
A brilliantly clear recording - you can hear the echos.
likely the best recording

Allegri: Miserere; Palestrina / Willcocks, Kings College Choir

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00001IVQY
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

Miserere
Stabat Mater
Hodie Beata Virgo Maria
Senex puerum portabat
Magnificat a 8
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Customer Reviews:

religious and content.......2004-10-06

In a brief retort to the reviewer from Bakersfield, I do rather wish that you might refrain from refering to matters of religion, litergy, and "ritual" as being "stupid." Obviously, it meant something to Allegri. I'm not angry, but I am a bit vexed that you might say such things about something that is the very center of my life. I dare say others might have been similarly hurt by your remarks.

Regarding the Misere, I've heard some say that this is one of the greatest choral pieces ever written and others say that it was only at the level of something that Mozart could have written at the age of 5, pointing to the repeating stanzas,etc. In point of fact, there is that rumor that it was he who transcribed the composition as an adolecent. As a musican, I can tell you that everything that is written is always based on what already exists. Music is a progression. I would say it is more likely that this piece stuck with Mozart as inspiration. Mozart is known for pieces with simple but beautiful melodic lines, which the Miserere's is quite gorgeous and simple in it's own right--but fantastic enough to raise the hair on the back of your neck. To those who fault the repetition, Allegri was quite right to follow it. When Psalms are sung--which the Miserere is Psalm 51--it is usual for a particular line to be chosen as a refrain of sorts and repeated intermitently every verse or every other verse. This tradition is maintained in churches of various traditions to this day--and, I'm guessing, in synagogues as well. (Psalms are understood to be songs attributed to King David.)

As for the relative simplicity of this piece, one must remember that at the time it was written, this was the cutting edge. It sounds simple to us, but that's because we live in a post Wagner and Stravinski age. Keep in mind that it wasn't so long before this piece was written that they only had the tenor and duplum lines. But really, none of that even matters. This piece was written as a sacrifice of work to God, and "God is the simplest of all." Further, I think that the piece compliments the subject matter of the Psalm beautifully. This Psalm is about sin and feeling repentence. It's a simple subject that is filled with very complex emotions and grace. I think that the grace comes through very clearly here.

As for the quality of the recording, I don't think that anybody can argue that King's College Choir isn't pretty hard to beat. I have heard of a recording that might rival this one where well trained male and female singers are used. Maybe one day, I'll know enough to comment on that recording.

I'm not religious,or anything,but this choir's AMAZING!!!.......2004-01-18

Okay I'll break it down for you.I don't believe in religion,and that mean's any of them,but it seem's like the only time you can enjoy an amazing choir like this one,that just happens to be my personal favorite,is when it has to do with religion.I mean,can't people just like choir's for the sake of liking choir's,without it having to be religious,and stuff.For example if anyone ever see's me at King's college,I'm not there for any stupid rituals or anything,keep in mind that's only if they even do that kind of stuff.I'm there for the sole purpose of hearing this choir.I mean they have so many layer's when they sing,that it's just amazing.With beautiful female high's,that are pretty much the best that I've ever heard,plus equally amazing male vocal's,singing the lower notes,but still,I'd have to say their biggest strength is when they seemingly go off in totally different direction's vocally,with both group's of males,and females,and still manage to weave it together into like a very tight quilt.I highly recommend this choir,over all the rest of them,and also,if you just like choir's without the religious stuff,then maybe you'd like something simular,but heavier,with speed,and distorted guitar's,and not to mention great musical talent,you should probably try something like Epic power metal band's,like Therion,Rhapsody,Blind Guardian,and maybe even the group's Dargaard,and Nightwish...

Definitive Recording of the Allegri Miserere.......2002-05-16

This recording of the Allegri Misere is one of the most beautiful that I've ever heard, or indeed hope to hear. It is absolutely amazing.

A brilliantly clear recording - you can hear the echos........2001-10-27

I love Palestrina, but most of all I love the Allegri Miserere.

I bought the CD to replace an earlier version (performed by the St.John's College Choir)and I was really quite delighted.

The first surprise was to hear the Allegri piece in English. It's good; very good. Not as good as it is in Latin, but still fits the music well. The quality of this recording is breathtaking. You can genuinely sense the atmosphere of the recording space ... the voices simply fade away to nothing in the heights of the building. And the voices you hear seem like the voices of angels.

Similarly, the Palestrina pieces are exceptionally well performed and produce.

However, the real gem (and it's a diamond) is the Allegri. If ever there was a piece of music that can soothe ruffled brows it's this. Let the boys' voices life you to heaven like the soft, gentle wings of angels. Come home stressed, make a cup of hot chocolate, close the curtains, dim the lights and let the sound soothe you.

likely the best recording.......2001-04-22

The story of Allegri's "Miserere" Mass has been told time and again, but warrants one more telling. Allegri was commissioned by then Pope Urban VIII to write this piece to be sung exclusively in the Sistine Shapel during Holy Week. This has been the case every year since 1638. The piece itself was written between 1630-38. On Wednesday and Good Friday during Holy Week, this Mass would be sung after 26 candles were extinguished, leaving a solitary one burning. This tradition holds true to this day.

The Mass was to be performed only in the Sistine Chapel, and up until Mozart's famous visit to the Chapel in 1770, only 3 written copies of the Mass were known to exist. Anyone else who copied it was either excommunicated, killed, or both. Mozart heard the Mass on that Wednesday, would write the Mass from momory that evening, then hear it again on Good Friday to correct a few errors. He was done at that point, and the piece was returned to Vienna, where it could be shared with the world. (This is a very abbreviated version of a fascinating story)

Thanks to Mozart, we can relish in the brilliance of Allegri's Mass, and this 1963 version is arguably the finest recording of it. The solo is maturely handled by treble Roy Goodman, and is central to the success of the recording. The re-mastering of this classic recording only enhances its beauty, wonderfully bringing out its delicate intricaces.

Tracks:

Tolling of the Bell
Antiphon & Psalm 109
Antiphon & Psalm 110
Antiphon & Psalm 111
Antiphon & Psalm 112
Reading and Brief Response
Hymn & Versicle
Antiphon SI OFFERS and MAGNIFICAT Canticle
Litany and Chanting of OUR FATHER
Collect and Conclusion
Ringing of the Bells
Introduction
Psalm 4
Psalm 90
Psalm 133
Hymn
Conclusion
Antiphon SALVE REGINA
Chiming of the ANGELUS

Album Description

The complete Office of Sunday Vespers and Compline, plus antiphons, psalms, hymns, and the "Angelus."

Customer Reviews:

SOME OF THE MOST FAMILIAR CHANT FOR MONASTIC TRAVELLERS WHO ARRIVE LATE.......2006-12-03

Please find here the Pater Noster with its traditional introduction explaining how we dare sing this prayer of the Lord, the Magnificat with its liberating and revolutionary message, and the comforting hour of OCmpline, the monk's ancient bedtime prayer, sung by heart in darkness. In fact the context of these prayers is lost in recording, sort of like wondering whether to genuflect when passing before a photograph of the elevated Host, so often pictured on book covers from Ratzinger to McBrien.

As one who lived years with these chants, I in particular, seeking solace by replaying the disk all night long and all day for peace and comfort and companionship, often pause wondering whether to bow where the bow is called for, and wondering why I can smell no incense. What is most disturbing however is not hearing the Pater prayed in the voices I once knew and cherished so much, so comforting. In fact I quickly discovered I must not play these while driving.

THere is a very specific time of day for each of these recordings, and it seems odd to hear Compline in bright daylight. I must pause and pray the Confiteor with them of course, and stop to bless myself at the blessings, wondering whether they are valid, but the most chillingly real moment, as one ever learns in a monastery, is the moment of silence, any moment of silence of course, but here at the moment when all of the monks silently pray the Pater Noster after the first words are intoned and before the final lines are chanted. I know what that silence bears, and in my own present silence join in prayer in community wityh all prayerful perons of the world at that moment. SIlence is universdal and eternal and thus really present, uniting me in prayer with those good and holy monks recorded years ago. And as the Pater Noster in Latin remains my main prayer, as Jesus ordered, I can still slip it in before the closing lines are intoned. I hope that sharing this with you now does not break our Lord's prohibition against public and show-offy prayer, but to pray in silence hidden in your room where no one can see.

As one who once knew the Office of Compline by heart (as it is chanted in the darkness of the evening), having recited it over a year with these same gentlemen, I found the quality of recording there frustrating in some verses, as the sound became quite muddy with the ambient resonance and reverberations, and the unity of voices tragically divided. Thus the listener might choose to follow this office with one of the many monastic diurnals available, including here on the amazon, as the home listener is free to light a lamp to read.

The central Biblical message and meaning nevertheless rings clearly:
Love, compassion, mercy, blessings and peace.
Faith Hope and Charity

Hear it here. Put it into practice at all times and places.

Average customer rating:

Whats the big deal?
Unbelievably heavy!
The sound and the fury
Destruction of your eardrums
I was actually disappointed.

Litany
Vader
Manufacturer: Metal Blade
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Revelation
The Beast
Blood/Reign Forever World
De Profundis
Impressions in Blood

ASIN: B00004S5YJ
Release Date: 2000-05-09

Tracks:

Wings
The One Made Of Dreams
Xeper
Litany
Cold Demons
The Calling
North
Forwards To Die!!!
A World Of Hurt
The World Made Of Flesh
The Final Massacre

Customer Reviews:

Whats the big deal?.......2007-04-13

Yeah, yeah, I know, I should be loving this band, as it combines European style death metal with New York style death metal with a touch of brutality, but there is something that just doesnt click for me. It may be Peter's lame growls, or the lack of tight riffs, but I just cant seem to get into this band. I can see why people like this band, but like Behemoths new album, it ends up being an overhyped, overrated, and boring ideal.

I gave this 1 star for Vader being one of the first bands out of the Soviet Union, 1 star for Doc being an amazing drummer, and 1 star for not being metalcore.

Overall, I suggest Immolation and fellow Poles Decapitated over this.

Unbelievably heavy!.......2007-03-30

You know the warnings they give you about drugs?? Eventually you need more and more and then harder and harder to give you that high again?? Well that's how it is with my metal... as time goes on I need my metal to get harder and more extreme to satisfy me. This CD is for the die-hard metal addict needing the super heavy duty stuff--it's hard as hell and right from the first track "Wings" it's like being thrown against a wall. The drums are hit harder than David Ortiz hits a baseball-- wow.... HIGHLY recommended!

The sound and the fury.......2007-01-19

Short of Vaders newest release (impressions in blood) this is Vaders most aggressive disc. There isn't a track on here that won't make you want to drive on the sidewalk. Plenty of anger...plenty of blasting...plenty of straight up nasty thrashing from the Polish death pedallers. My only beef with this disc...and even a few other Vader discs...is the mix of the drums. The drums are just a bit overpowering in the mix and a little too digital sounding. Past that this is good, furious death metal.

Destruction of your eardrums.......2006-07-28

In my opinion, Poland's finest, Vader, is easily the most accessible death metal band. They are better than Slayer in terms of musicianship, talent and songwriting (not a diss to one of the best bands ever, but Vader owns you guys) and even if you hate death metal, you could love these guys because the vocals are not grunts or growls. If Vader isn't recording great albums, they are touring. They do hundreds of shows every year all over the world, and as a reviewer stated, they probably haven't slept in their own beds. Check out their live album from 1998 ("Live In Japan") to hear this act at their best. As the title dictates, this album will shred your eardrums with the dual guitar attack and the insane drumming. "Litany" is not an album that you get to hear nice melodic breakdowns or melody at all. This album is good if you are working out, need an alarm clock or just feel like blasting away your neighborhood and violently headbanging. As I stated already, the vocals are not grunts, so Vader will be easier to digest in that department. If you can't stand this type of metal, go back to your In Flames or such. This album can only be appreciated if you like it loud, fast and no hint of melody.

The production of this album is perfect for something this brutal. The vocals are pushed back and the drumming and guitars are overpowering, creating this ear-shredding sound barrier that would only work for a brutal album like this. The vocals, as stated above, are similar to Tom Araya, just with a Polish accent. The vocals are pushed back, but if you really want to listen to them, they are audible. The lyrics are awesome and some of the best in death metal. Read them...you will be amazed that a death metal band can dish out good lyrics. The bass is...you guessed it...inaudible. It could only be heard if every other instrument stops playing, which is rare. Don't buy this album if you need bass playing inspiration. The guitars are a dual attack, very reminiscent of Slayer. The solos are out of this world. And finally, the drums. Krzysztof "Doc" Raczkowski was his name, and he was in the band since they formed in 1986. He is fast, crazy and could rival any extreme metal drummer. He died in August 2005 after leaving the band earlier the year. His cause of death is mysteriously unknown, and will always be remembered as a huge inspiration in the metal community. He is among the gods of metal. Rest In Peace.

The album begins with one of Vader's best, "Wings". This song is brutal and has a great guitar solo. It is a metal classic and the album should be bought just for this song. The next song, "The One Made of Dreams", follows. It is a shorty, but it is brutal as hell and leads up to the next song, the legendary "Xeper". This is a longer song (for this album) and is very simple, but sounds so good. You could actually hear the bass a little here! The title track follows with a great chorus and more great drumming and guitar work. "Cold Demons" starts off with a little interlude and blasts into another great song off of this album. "The Calling" is the loser, which follows, and I find it quite monotinous, but it is still a descent song. The next three songs are a little under 2:00 long, and they are perfect examples of short, brutal blasts of energy. This is what a grindcore song would sound like without the noise. They are "North", "Fowards To Die!!!" and "A World Of Hurt". I can't call them filler, because they slay. The final two songs, "The World Made Flesh" and "The Final Massacre" follow the same formula of the entire album and really slay. That caps off this legendary 34 minute album. If you don't own this and love it loud and heavy, then go out, turn off your computer and pick this up. "Litany" may be their best album. Their other albums are great, but nothing can cause carnage like this one.

I was actually disappointed. .......2006-06-13

Don't bash me simply because I didn't give Litany five stars like drgonzo insists. I'm giving this album a fair rating based upon the bar that Vader has already set with the other albums/masterpieces of their in my collection. Vader has got to be my favorite Death Metal band. Doc was an amazing drummer; Peter's vocals are unique in the genre and the assault of Peter's and Mauser's guitars make an incredible team. However despite the music on Litany being amazing the production could have been a lot better. The first thing one will notice is that the volume of Doc's bass drums are cranked up almost twice as loud as they should be. Though you get to see his amazing skill with his feet, this has a result of sometimes drowning out the rest of the band, Peter's vocals and the rest of his kit, especially when you are not playing on a really good sound system. The sound of the guitars and Peter's voice should have been turned up slightly louder as well.

The other complaint is that there are four songs that are shorter than 2 minutes resulting in a surprisingly short album. Time lengths usually don't bug me, but Vader normally doesn't have this many short songs. Of all the songs on this album, the short ones are not the songs that I crave to listen to; they are fast, but just not that memorable. My favorites would have to be Wings, Cold Demons, Xeper, and The Final Massacre (a song that they re-recorded and was originally on their first album, The Ultimate Incantation).

Even with these problems, the songs are still amazing. If you want music that is difficult to play, this is it. Doc's drumming has always been incredible and he will truly be missed. It's just unfortunate that the production isn't that good. If this album is ever remastered, this rating will probably get bumped to a 4 or even a 5. I saw these guys live the day before I graduated high school (nice way to celebrate, don't you think?) and they were amazing definitely one of the best shows that I've ever been to. If you haven't heard Vader before, I would suggest you start with their albums like Black to the Blind or any of their EPs (they are all amazing) before getting Litany. Vader will also be releasing a new album titled Impressions in Blood that should be released sometime in September so keep an eye out for that as well. Hoped this review helped.

Mystery of the East: Music from Russian Churches and Monastaries

Average customer rating:

Mystery of the East: Music from Russian Churches and Monasteries

Mystery of the East: Music from Russian Churches and Monastaries

Manufacturer: Capriccio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Orthodox Chants from Russia
Basso Profondo From Old Russia
Bortnyansky: Sacred Concertos for Double Choir, Vol. 6
Russian Medieval Chant
Music from Russian Monasteries & Churches

ASIN: B000001WSX
Release Date: 1995-11-08

Tracks:

Great Litany - Sofia Orthodox Ens/Miroslav Popsavov
Praise To The Lord - Bulgarian Nat Chor/Georgi Robev
Our Father - Rybin Choir, Moscow
We Praise Thee, We Sing Thee - Bulgarian Nat Chor/Georgi Robev
Cherubim Song No. 7 - Rybin Choir, Moscow
Psalms - Bulgarian Nat Chor/Georgi Robev
Holy Lord - Bulgarian Nat Chor/Georgi Robev
The Heavenly Powers - Rybin Choir, Moscow
Our Father - Sofia Orthodox Ens/Miroslav Popsavov
Recue Us, O Lord - Rybin Choir, Moscow
Cherubim Song - Sofia Orthodox Ens/Miroslav Popsavov
We Worship The Power Of Love - Rybin Choir, Moscow
Praise Be To God - Bulgarian Nat Chor/Georgi Robev
Of The Wonders Praised By All - Rybin Choir, Moscow
Our Father - Bulgarian Nat Chor/Georgi Robev

Customer Reviews:

Mystery of the East: Music from Russian Churches and Monasteries.......2007-04-10

An excellent recording-with exception of the engineering. Having attended a concert of choral music from the Ukraine, I find this recording faithfully follows all the whisper quiet to needing earplugs in your ears volume. The music is performed admirably, and the diction is good - I would be able to understand the words if I understood Russian. In the Russian tradition, the pieces are all acapella, and well done. In my humble opinion, this is a very good buy if you are interested in Russian choral music.

Average customer rating:

Heavenly music, perfectly sung

Palestrina: Soul of Rome
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina , Costanzo Festa , Tomas Luis de Victoria , and Lionheart
Manufacturer: Koch Int'l Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Paris 1200
My Fayre Lady: Tudor Songs and Chant
Tydings Trew
Palestrina: Missa Pro Defunctis/Motets
Palestrina: Missa Papae Marcelli, Missa Aeterna

ASIN: B00005QJOI
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Kyrie: Missa in duplicibus minoribus I
Gloria: Missa in duplicibus minoribus I
Petrus beatus catenarum laqueos
Adoramus te
Credo: Missa in duplicibus minoribus I
Tibi Christe splendor Patris
Sanctus: Missa in duplicibus minoribus I
O regem caeli
Gloriosi principes terrae
Agnus Dei: Missa in duplicibus minrobus I
Surrexit pastor bonus
Litaniae de Beata Virgine Maria
Ave Maria

Customer Reviews:

Heavenly music, perfectly sung.......2003-11-03

A superb selection of some of Renaissance master Palestrina's exquisitely transcendent music, sung to perfection by this 6-man a capella group. Very peaceful, restful, meditative, it's ideal background music for work or home, for any time of day or night. Sublimely beautiful--even moreso than Lionheart's Paris: 1200--with it's rich, shifting, gorgeous harmonies.

Average customer rating:

English Choral Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music
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Lo the Full Final Sacrifice & Other Choral Works
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ASIN: B0002BXO78
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

Magnificat In G Major
Nunc Dimittis In G Major
Justorum Animae
Ave Verum
Give Unto The Lord
The Call
Magnificat, St. Paul's
Nunc Dimittis St. Paul's
Paean For Organ
Take Him, Earth, For Cherishing
Litany To The Holy Spirit
Welcome Sweet And Sacred Forest
I. Eram Quasi Agnus Innocens
II. Una Hora Non Potuistis
III. Seniores Populi
Magnificat In A Flat Major
God Is Gone Up, Op.27, No.2

Tracks:

Set Me As A Seal Upon Thine Heart
Coronation Te Deum
Gloria
A Hymn To The Virgin
Jubilate Deo
Hymn To St. Cecilia, Op.27
The Lord Is My Shepherd, Op.91, No.1
Crux Fidelis, Op.43, No.2
Look Up, Sweet Babe, Op.43, No.2
Magnificat And Nunc Dimittis
Collegium Magdalenae Oxoniense
An Easter Sequence-Sortie
The Lamb
The Lord's Prayer
Song For Athene

Average customer rating:

Magnificent
Approaches some of the finest modern Christian composition
Part of the Divine
Ho-hum
Divine for Sure...

Litany
Saulius Sondeckis
Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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Alina - Arvo Part
Lamentate
Miserere
Arvo Part: Te Deum / Kaljuste, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Arvo Part: Kanon Pokajanen

ASIN: B000025QUG
Release Date: 2000-01-25

Tracks:

Litany (To Helmuth Rilling And The Oregon Bach Festival)
Psalom (To Alfred Schlee On His Birthday)
Trisagion (Dedicated To The Parish Of Prophet Elias In Ilomantsi On The Occasion Of Its 500th Anniversary)

Amazon.com essential recording

With Litany, Estonian composer Arvo Pärt created one of his most stirring works: a nearly 23-minute-long composition for orchestra and vocal ensemble based on the 24 prayers of St. John Chrysostom (one for each hour of the day). Commissioned for the 25th Oregon Bach Festival, the composition is both memorable and timeless. It finds influences in everything from chant to the repetition of modern minimalism. Play it loudly and the striking vocals of the Hilliard Ensemble simply soar against the strings of the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra. The orchestral Trisagion harkens toward Litany's mood swings and impact, but--sans voice--lacks the mysticism. One of Pärt's best, and as sacred as modern compositions come. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Magnificent.......2007-04-10

My favorite album of my favorite 20th C composer. Best listened to on a stormy night.

Approaches some of the finest modern Christian composition.......2004-11-01

LITANY collects three works by Arvo Part from the mid-1990s. They are all related to Eastern Orthodoxy and, in my opinion, form Part's first truly great religious composition.

"Litany" is an English-language setting of the 24 prayers of St. John Chrysostom for each hour of the day and night. Chrysostom's is one of the greatest litanies in Christianity and an example of the skill with words which gained him the epithet "Golden-Mouthed". With its continuous cycling between softer lulls and loud, proud entreaties the work might be best compared to Giya Kancheli's "Styx". The work is performed by the Tallin Chamber Orchestra with the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, conducted by Tonu Kaljuste. However, the four main vocal parts are performed by singers from the Hilliard Ensemble, native speakers of English who can really bring out a most euphonious rendition.

The latter two works on the disc are performed by the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra conducted by Saulius Sondeckis. "Psalom", written in 1985 and dedicated to the music publisher Alfred Schlee, and revised in 1995 is a relatively brief instrumental appreciation of the Psalter. It is a pretty work, but brief and quickly forgotten after the following piece. "Trisagion" was written in 1992 for the 500-year anniversary of the parish of the Prophet Elias in Ilomantsi and revised in 1995. It is inspired by the Orthodox hymn of that name ("Thrice-holy"), but is purely instrumental. It requires great care and energy on the lower strings, and the orchestra pulls this off admirably.

I have criticized Part's work of the 1970's and 1980's as technically brilliant but spiritually dead, but in the 1990's, as he began using concrete concepts of his Orthodox faith instead of fuzzy and nebulous mentions of "spirituality", his oeuvre has approached the profound depths of Christian spirituality common to the work of Olivier Messiaen and Sofia Gubaidulina. This style culminated in his 1998 setting of the massive Kanon Pokajanen penitence text, though he subsequently seems to have moved on to yet another style.

Unfortunately ECM, as usual, gives us only about 50 minutes of music. It would be nice to have one more worked placed on the disc, since these releases aren't cheap. The liner notes are also somewhat disappointing, giving only details of the recording and the text of "Litany" with no biographical notes or musicological analysis.

While Part might be best approached through his tintinnabuli phase of the 1970s and 1980s, of which TABULA RASA (also on ECM) is a shining example, his work only got much better in the 1990's. This is a disc worth hearing for those who have already come to like Part's music, and anyone looking for powerfully Christian contemporary compositions.

Part of the Divine.......2003-04-11

Litany is one of Arvo Part's finest works that starts with the hourly prayers of St. John Chrysostom, who's last name means "Golden Mouth". St. John Chrysostom was a monk turned Patriarch of Constantinople (modern day Istanbul), who edited & shorten the Eastern Orthodox Christian Liturgy which main frame is still used today. Therefore he was a master of prayer which Arvo Part has done a fantastic job adding a quasi-ancient yet modern version of minima classical music to. The music starts quietly & reflectively for a great length, slowly building until the heavens shine forth. Psalom is a quiet yet strangely beautiful string piece that maybe best played during a dark night with candle light. Trisagion is bold with strong overtones like the Prophet Elias of the old testament, revealing God from the mountain tops. A church was named after the Prophet & Arvo Part wrote a dedication to celebrate its 500th Anniversary. Maybe not the CD to start listening to Arvo Part due to its strong religious overtones, "Tabula Rasa" would be a better start, yet the religious overtones are good for any spiritual journey.

Ho-hum.......2002-06-13

After reading the reviews I had high hopes when I bought this and TeDeum; however, he sounded like the Kenny G of classical. The overuse of the word "spiritual" as an adjective for his ambient, white noise left me skeptical after listening. I resumed listening to Schnittke, Messaien and I think I'll take my brother's advice and listen to Tournemire and some Brian Eno. This guy, Arvo Part, the masses will like, it's a good name.

Divine for Sure..........2002-01-03

I was very skeptical of Part, having seen rave reviews (from Michael Stipe of all people), as I tend to discount rave reviews. I heard a few of his pieces over the years without being at all impressed. If you like JS Bach or Rachmaninoff's "Vespers," then it didn't seem like Part was offering anything substantially new or innovative. Then I heard "Litany" and was blown away by the time the first vocalist intoned "Oh Lord." This music is like a divine nuclear explosion, the sound of a soul calling out for God from the depths of its being (de profundis). Silly descriptions aside, "Litany" is among the most stunning, beautiful compositions ever created by human hands. Catholic, Muslim, Lutheran, Ahmadiyan, Sikh, Buddhist, Athiest, Wiccan, or whatever, "Litany" will make a believer out of you. Having learned to hear Part, I've also come to admire other works, even those I previously disliked.

Music Info:

Music Info

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